Walking toy



Fe 4, E936; F. R. B. wHrrEHousE WALKING TOY Filed Oct. 17, 1935 3 sheets-sheet 1 l I l III Il Fe 4, 193. F. R. B. wHlTEHousE 2,029,84-

` WALKING TOY v Filed Oct. 17, 1935 3 SheeLS-Sheet 2 FIC-3%.

v7 Frama; s @39mm Ben mnwhehws@ Feb. 4, 1936. F. R. B. wHlTEHoUsE 2,029,849

WALKING TOY Filed 001;. 17, 1955 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 \NYE NTOE/ Fra n als feg fncxla Bauma nWHeho-use Patented Feb. 4, 1936 rss'rrs WALKING TOY Francis Reginald Beaman Whitehouse, Edgbastcn, Birmingham, England Application ctober 17, 1935, Serial No. 45,371 In Great Britain May 29, 1935 13 Claims.' (Cl. L1li-405) This invention relates to a new or improved walking toy, and it has for its object to provide a simple construction of toy which can be actuated by hand, and if necessary from a distance.

Referring to the drawings:-

Figure l is a side elevation of one form of toy constructed in accordance with the present invention,

Figure 2 is a plan View of the same,

Figure 3 is a View corresponding to Figure l, but showing the front part of the toy raised by means of the operating member,

Figure l is a perspective View of another form of toy accor-ding tothe invention, and

Figure 5 is a side elevation thereof.

Figure 6 is a View similar to Figure 5, but with the toy partly in section to illustrate the method of construction, whilst Figure 7 is a View corresponding to Figure 5, showing the front part of the toy raised as in Figure 3.

The body of the toy as a whole may take the form of ananimal, and, in the simple construction illustrated in Figures l to 3, it is cut out of`suitable sheet material such as ply-wood, or moulded in synthetic resin or other suitable material, in the shape of a horse (with or without a jockey or rider mounted thereon), and may be coloured appropriately.

After cutting out, the body is divided into two parts I 9, I I or alternatively, if the body of the toy is formed of mouldable material, these parts may be moulded separately.

The two parts' I0, I I of the toy are then hinged together in any convenient manner, such as by securing a pair of metal side plates I2, I2-to one of them and pivoting the other part between the projecting ends of such plates. The pivot pin I3 is disposed substantially horizontally and transversely of the toy, and is preferably placed adjacent the upper edges of the parts lll, I I (i. e. near the top of the horses back in the case under consideration), so that the parts of the toy are connected with a rule joint as shown.

The legs of the horse, or other cut-out or moulded figure, are secured to transversely extending base members, so that the figure will stand upright on the ground or other substantially horizontal surface, such as a floor or table top.

The front part IB of the gure is preferably so arranged that its centre of gravity is located well forward in relation to its support, and, in the case of an animal ligure such as that of the horse under consideration, this may be effected either by weighting the front part I0 of theV figure adjacent its head I4 (for example, by recessing the part and inserting a lead or other weight therein), and/or by forming it vwith a rearwardly directed fore-leg or legs I5, I5,

The base member associated with the front part I0 of the body may extend backwardly beneath the rear part I I, and may take the form of a relatively heavy block or piece of wood I6 having a suitable recess I'I at its forward end to receive the fore-leg or legs I5, I5. In some cases a second recess may be formed as at I8 in the rear end of the base member I6 to provide clearance for the hind legs I9, I9 of the ligure.

The rear part I I of the iigure may be secured in similar manner to another block of wood 2|] forming the base member therefor, which may be of the same width as the member I6 associated with the front part III. Preferably this rear base member 2|] is convexly curved as regards its underside, and may be of cylindrical form as shown.

An operating member in the form of a cord 2| or chain is attached to the upper portion of the front part I0 of the figure; for example, to the horses head I4 or to that of its rider. Alternatively, it may be attached to an upwardly projecting arm associated with the front part of the figure.

A rearward pull on the cord 2| or chain has the effect of raising the front part I0 of the iigure which turns about its pivot I3 in relation to the rear part II,`which latter is preferably so arranged that it cannot slide backwards due to the pull of the operating member 2l. This may be-eiected by suitably forming the underside of the rear base member 20, as by roughening it or by covering it wholly or partly with nonslipping material 22, such as sand-paper, or plain or pimpled rubber sheet.

The pivoting movement of the front part I of the figure causes the base member I6 associated therewith to swing forwards as in Figure 3, whereupon the tension on the cord 2I or chain is released, to allow the front part I0 to rock forwardly, turning about a transverse axis situated at the line 23 or point or momentary contact between its base member I6 and the ground or other supporting surface.

Assuming that no slipping takes place at this line or point of contact, the front part Ill of the the front part ID, and thus the toy as a whole progresses with a walking or striding action.

It is, of course, essential to the correct operation of the toy that the front part l0 is not tilted backwards sufficiently tobring its centre of gravity in rear of the line or point of contact between the base member |6 and the ground, and if desired, the pivotal connection of the parts Ill, may be so arranged that such excessive relative movement is rendered impossible. For example, one of the parts may be formed with a stop projection 24 arranged to abut the other part when the limit of permissible relative movement is reached.

If the operating cord 2| or chain is of sufcient length, it will be seen that the toy may be operated by a child standing some distance behind it, and that it may be caused by successively pulling and releasing the cord 2| or chain, to walk ahead of its operator. Furthermore, it can be caused to surmount obstacles such as curbs, if not of too great height, or to progress up inclined surfaces.

A somewhat more elaborate construction of walking toy is illustrated in Figures 4 to '7, the toy in this case taking the form of a horse and cart.

As will be seen, the horse is constructed in substantially the same manner as that shown in the preceding figures, but certain noteworthy modiiications are introduced as regards the front base member I6. It will be understood, however, that these modifications may be embodied if desired in the construction of toy shown in Figures 1 to 3.

The modiiications aforesaid include the convex curvature of the underside of the base member I6, which is tapered in thickness towards its rear end. This curvature facilitates the forward swinging movement of the part l0 and may be .continuous throughout the length of the member I6, so that normally the part l0 rests only on the front end of such member, or alternatively it may be conned to the rear end of the member as shown. In either case, it is conven- `ient to form the base member I6 with a relatively sharp edge at its rear end to reduce its tendency to slip back when the operating member 2| is pulled, and the underside of the member i6 may be covered at or adjacent this edge with some suitable non-slipping material 25, such as that applied to the rear base member 20 in the previous construction.

In the modiiied construction shown in Figures 4 to 7, the cart serves as the rear base member, being rigidly connected to the part .of the horse which is supported thereby with its rear legs, I9, I9 spaced above the front base member I6.

The cart is conveniently constructed in plywood, there being two side members 26, 26 which are connected by end pieces 21, 21 and a floor member 28. The shafts may be formed integrally with the side members as at 29, 29 and may be connected by a transverse member 30 which is recessed at 3| to receive the rear legs I9, I9 of the horse. Alternatively, the cart may be moulded in one piece in synthetic resin or other suitable material.

The side members 26, 26 of the cart are provided with downwardly-extending portions 32, 32 each formed with a hole 33 through which the axle 34 passes, the latter having fixed thereon a pair of wheels 35, 35 which are disposed externally of the portions 32, 32.

The axle 34 has a considerable amount of clearance in the holes 33, 33, as shown in Figure 6, so that, when the front part I0 of the horse is raised by a pull on the operating member 2| (see Figure '7), the cart moves rearwardly in relation to the axle 34 and one of the wheels 35, 35 on the latter then engages a pawl 36 or brakev block iixed to the adjacent side member 25. By this means, rearward movement of the toy under the pull of the operating member 2i is effectually prevented. It will be understood that a pawl 36 may be provided at each side of the cart, if desired, and preferably the wheels 35, 35 are shod with rubber or other non-slipping material as at 31, 31.

Alternatively or in addition, the cart may be provided with a downward projection which is clear of the ground when` the cart is in the position shown in Figure 5, but which engages the ground in the manner of a sprag when the cart is tilted backwardly under the pull of the operating member as shown in Figure '7, so that the cart cannot run backwards. In the convenient arrangement illustrated, the portions 32, 32 of the side members 26, 23 are continued downwardly below the axle 36 and are formed with corners 38, 3B disposed to the rear of the latter, which corners are adapted to engage the ground when the cart is tilted as in Figure 7.

The pawl 36 does not prevent the cart from running forwards when the operating member 2| is released, as, owing to the clearance provided for the axle 34 in the holes 33, 33, the cart then moves forwardly in relation to the axle, so that the pawl 36 is disengaged from the wheel 35.

It will be understood that any other suitable. mechanism may be used to prevent rearward movement of the cart; for example, a ratchet wheel secured to the axle 34 or to one of the wheels 35, 35 may co-operate with a pawl pivoted to some adjacent portion of the cart.

Instead of constructing the toy as a flat figure supported on base members as above described, the body of the. figure may be formed with four spaced legs arranged in pairs so as more nearly to resemble an actual animal. The transverse spacing of each pair of legs may be such that the figure will stand upright upon its own feet without the necessity for the base members aforesaid.

The twoparts of the quadruped may be cut from solid blocks of wood or built up of a plurality of layers secured together, and may be carved to the desired shape, or they may be moulded in synthetic resin or other suitable material.

The pivotal connection between the parts may include a pin passed through one of the parts and through an integral ear of semi-circular form on the other part, this ear being accommodated in a recess in the first-mentioned part so that the joint is to a large extent concealed.

In the case of four-legged figures constructed as described, the hind feet may be rounded and covered with non-slipping material in the manner aforesaid, whilst the fore-feet are suitably located with reference to the centre of gravity of the front part of the figure.

If desired, the two wooden or moulded parts employed in the above constructions may constitute the foundation for a stuffed ligure, which may be in the form of a dog or other animal. This may be effected by enclosing both parts in a common covering of fabric or skin which is afterwards stuied with wool, shavings or other material. By this means an exceedingly realistic toy may be produced, as the covering may be made loose enough to entirely conceal the action of the joint between the two parts.

It will be understood, of course, that instead of the body parts being made of wood, they may be constructed of metal in the form of wire, strip, or pressings from sheet. For example, in the case of a stuffed figure, each part of the body may comprise a wire framework to which the covering and stuffing are applied.

1. A walking toy comprising front and rear body parts, surfaces on both of said body parts which are adapted to engage the ground or its equivalent, a pivotal connection between said body parts having a horizontal and transverse axis, and means for raising the forward end of said front part sothat the rear end of the latter is moved forwardly in relation to said rear part, said body parts being so arranged that said front part rocks forwardly on release and drags said rear part after it, whereby the toy as a whole is caused to progress forwardly with a walking action.

2. A walking toy comprising front and rear body parts, transversely-extending base members secured to both of said body parts and adapted to engage the ground or its equivalent, a pivotal connection between said body parts having a horizontal and transverse axis, and means for raising the forward end of said front part so' that the rear end of the latter is moved forwardly in relation to said rear part, said body parts being so arranged that said front part rocks forwardly on releaseand drags said rear part after it, whereby the toy as a whole is caused to progress forwardly with a walking action.

3. A walking toy comprising front and rear body parts, transversely-extending base members secured to both of said body parts and adapted to engage the ground or its equivalent, the base member associated with said front part being formed with a relatively sharp rear edge, a pivotal connection between said body parts having a horizontal and transverse axis, and means for raising the forward end of said front part so that the rear end of the latter is moved forwardly in relation to said rear part, said body parts bei ing so arranged that said front part rocks forwardly on release and drags said rear part after it, whereby the toy as a Whole is caused to l progress forwardly with a walking action.

4. A walking toy -comprising front and rear body parts, transversely-extending base members secured to both of said body parts and adapted to engage the ground or its equivalent, the base member associated with one or each of said body parts being convexly curved on its underside, a pivotal connection between said body parts having a horizontal and transverse axis, and means for raising the forward end of said front part so that the rear end of the latter is moved forwardly in relation to said rear part, said body parts being so arranged that said front part rocks forwardly on release and drags said rear part after it, whereby the toy as a whole is caused to progress forwardly with a walking action.

5. A walking toy comprising front and rear body parts, transversely-extending base members secured to both of said body parts and adapted to engage the ground or its equivalent, a pivotal connection between said body parts having a horizontal and transverse axis, means for raising the forward end of said front part so that the rear end of the latter is moved forwardly in relation to said rear part, said body parts being so arranged that said front part rocks forwardly on release and drags said rear part after it, whereby the toy as a whole is caused to progress forwardly with a walking action, and one or more wheels supporting said rear part and mounted on the base member associated therewith, said wheels being arranged to run free when the toy moves forwards but being prevented from rotating in the opposite direction.

6. A walking toy comprising front and rear body parts, transversely-extending base members secured to both of said body parts and adapted to engage the ground or its equivalent, the base member associated with said front part being formed with a relatively sharp rear edge, and the base member associated with one or each of said body parts being convexly curved on its underside, a pivotal connection between said body parts having a horizontal and transverse axis, and Imeans for raising the forward end of said front part so that the rear end of the latter is moved forwardly in relation to said rear part, said body parts being so arranged that said front part rocks forwardly on release and drags said rear part after it, whereby the toy as a whole is caused to progress forwardly with a walking action.

7. A walking toy comprising front and rear body parts, transversely-extending base members secured to both of said said body parts and adapted to engage the ground or its equivalent, the base member associated with said front part being formed with a relatively sharp rear edge, a pivotal connection between said body parts having a horizontal and transverse axis, means for raising the forward end of said front part so that the rear end of the latter is moved forwardly in relation to said rear part, said body parts being so arranged that said front part rocks forwardly on release and drags said rear part after it, whereby the toy as-a whole is caused to progress forwardly with a walking action, and one or more wheels supporting said rear part and mounted on the base member associated therewith, said wheels being arranged to run free when the toy moves forwards but being prevented from rotating in the opposite direction.

8. A walking toy comprising front and rear body parts, transversely-extending base members secured to both of said body parts and adapted to engage the ground or its equivalent, the base member associated with one or each of said body parts being convexly curved on its underside, a pivotal connection between said body parts having a horizontal and transverse axis, means for raising the forward end of said front part so that the rear end of the latter is moved forwardly in relation to said rear part, said body parts being so arranged that said front part rocks forwardly on release and drags said rear part after it, whereby the toy as a whole is caused to progress forwardly with a walking action, and one or more wheels supporting said rear part and mounted on the base member associated therewith, said wheels being arranged to run free when the toy moves forwards but being pre vented from rotating in the opposite` direction.

9. A walking toy comprising front and rear body parts, transversely-extending base members secured to both of said body parts and adapted to engage the ground or its equivalent, the base member associated with said front part being formed with a relatively sharp rear edge, and the base member associated with one or each of said body parts being convexly curved on its underside, a pivotal connection between said body parts having a horizontal and transverse axis, means for raising the forward end of said front part so that the rear end of the latter is moved forwardly in relation to said rear part, said body parts being so arranged that said front part rocks forwardly on release and drags said rear part after it, whereby the toy as a Whole is caused to progress forwardly with a walking action, and one or more Wheels supporting said rear part and mounted on the base member associated therewith, said wheels being arranged to run free when the toy moves forwards but being prevented from rotating in the opposite direction.

10. A walking toy comprising front and rear body parts, surfaces on both of said body parts which are adapted to engage the ground or its equivalent, a pivotal connection between said body parts having a horizontal and transverse axis, and an operating member attached to said front part, said front part being raised by a rearward pull on said operating member so that its rear end is moved forwardly in relation to said rear part, said body parts being so arranged that said front part rocks forwardly on release and drags said rear part after it, whereby the toy as a whole is caused to progress forwardly with a walking action,

l1. A walking toy comprising front and rear body parts, surfaces on both of said body parts which are adapted to engage the ground or its equivalent, a pivotal connection between said body parts having a horizontal and transverse axis, means for raising the forward end of said front part so that the rear end of the latter is moved forwardly in relation to said rear part, said body parts being so arranged that said front part rocks forwardly on release and drags said rear part after it, whereby the toy as a whole is caused to progress forwardly with a walking action, and stop means adapted to limit the pivotal movement of said front part, whereby the centre of gravity of said front part is prevented from moving to the rear of the line or point of momentary contact between said front part and the ground.

12. A walking toy comprising front and rear body parts, surfaces on both of said body parts which are adapted to engage the ground or its equivalent, a pivotal connection between said body parts having a horizontal and transverse axis, and an operating member attached to said front part, said front part being raised by a rearward pull on said operating member so that its rear end ls moved forwardly in relation to said rear part, said body parts being so arranged that said front part rocks forwardly on release and drags said rear part after it, whereby the toy as a whole is caused to progress forwardly with a walking action, the ground-engaging surface on said rear part being arranged so as to restrain the latter from slipping rearwardly when said operating member is pulled.

13. A walking toy comprising front and rear body parts, surfaces on both of said body parts which are adapted to engage the ground or its equivalent, a pivotal connection between said body parts having a horizontal and transverse axis, an operating member attached to said front part, said front part being raised by a rearward pull on said operating member so that its rear end is moved forwardly in relation to said rear part, said body parts being so arranged that said front part rocks forwardly on release and drags said rear part after it, whereby the toy as a whole is caused to progress forwardly with a walking action, and stop means adapted to limit the pivotal movement of said front part, whereby the centre of gravity of said front part is prevented from moving to the rear of the line or point of momentary contact between said front part and the ground.

F. R. B. WHITEHOUSE. 

